Marianne Meed Ward
Burlington resident Arthur Rendall has been honoured with a provincial award for his efforts in securing text-based 911 calls.
Rendall, a member of Burlington’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, received the 10th Anniversary Champion Award from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). The award, presented at City Council Nov. 23, recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate leadership, passion and commitment in the promotion of accessibility and inclusiveness in their community.
Rendall was presented the award for his successful efforts in getting text-based 911 services for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech impairments. Rendall worked closely with the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission – Emergency Service Working Group, beginning in 2008, to come up with a system that allows those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech impairments to text 911 from their mobile device. In January 2013, the CRTC announced enhancements to 911 services that would allow Canadians who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech impairments to communicate with 911 call centres by text message. The service is now available across Canada and is being rolled out across the United States.
Rendall has been a member of the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee since January 2008. He is one of 101 Ontarians receiving this award.
For more information about Text 911 in Canada, visit www.textwith911.ca. For more information about accessibility in Burlington, visit www.burlington.ca/accessibility or call 905-335-7600, ext. 7865.
